Legendary Venice: Doge's Palace, St Mark's & VIP Terrace Access
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
With skip-the-line tickets and an expert guide, you’ll explore Venice’s top two landmarks, St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, in just two unforgettable hours. Wander the gilded council rooms in the Doge's Palace, cross the Bridge of Sighs, uncover enthralling stories of power and politics, and marvel at the golden mosaic ceiling in St. Mark's Basilica. Note: If you select the Private Legendary Venice option (max 6 people) or Legendary Venice with Terraces option at time of booking, you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to admire beautiful views from the balcony over St. Mark's Square. These options have a tour duration of 3 hours.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
Due to the religious nature of St. Mark's Basilica, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. You can bring extra covering (scarves, etc) to put on just before entering St. Mark's. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
Sites visited during this tour are subject to occasional closures due to holy observances, high tides, and/or flooding. If a site closes, your guide will tour the exterior of the site. If time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. If the local municipality restricts access due to high tide and there are no walkways available, it is the client’s responsibility to bring appropriate footwear (e.g., boots). For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
No refund will be provided if high tide prevents certain parts of the tour, but adjustments to the route will be made for client safety and comfort.
If access is restricted due to private events inside St. Mark's Basilica and/or Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued.
This tour is non-refundable. All guests must supply their full name that matches a valid ID at the time of the booking. Should you fail to provide these, your reservation will be canceled. Name changes are not permitted.
Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument.
If you select the Private Legendary Venice option (max 6 people) or Legendary Venice with Terraces option at time of booking, you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to admire beautiful views from the balcony over St. Mark's Square. These tour departures are 3 hours.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
What To Expect
Piazza San Marco
Begin in the world-famous St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) and take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking space laid out in front of you. Your guide will lay the foundation for your experience, setting the scene of centuries of Venetian history under the famed arched portico.
Palazzo Ducale
Start your day at Palazzo Ducale, or Doge's Palace, home to the doge, or duke, of Venice and his seat of government. As your guide leads you through its grand chambers and council rooms, they'll point out paintings by renowned Venetian masters such as Veronese and Tintoretto. You'll hear how Venice was ruled from within these walls and about some of its famous prisoners, including Casanova. You'll even walk in their footsteps as you cross the Bridge of Sighs from the palace and into the grim New Prisons. Note: Step inside the Doge’s Palace before it opens to the public to wander the empty chambers—an exclusive early access experience only available on this tour’s 8AM departure. The 8AM tour also includes a tour of St. Mark's Basilica and special access to the terraces with incredible privileged views of St. Mark's Square.
What‘s Included
Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace (25 €)
Local English-speaking guide
Exclusive Early Entry to the Doge's Palace (8 AM only)
Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica 12€, St. Mark's Basilica + Museum 24€
Spanish Speaking guide - if option selected
Exclusive access to the balcony of St. Mark's Basilica (if option selected)
Headsets when necessary
Gratuities
Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Lunch
Options
Legendary Venice with terraces
Small Group Tour in English: Venice’s top attractions—St. Mark’s Basilica w/ terraces, and the Doge’s Palace—Exclusive Doge's Palace Early Entry, 8AM only
Legendary Venice No Terrace
St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's: Discover the Doge’s Palace and then skip the line into St. Mark's Basilica on this express English guided tour.
Legendary Venice Spanish Tour
Spanish Group Tour(No Terrace): Join this Spanish language tour - explore Doge’s Palace & skip the line into St Mark’s Basilica on this 2-hour tour of Venice
Private - Legendary Venice
Private Tour w/ Terrace: Explore Venice’s top attractions—St. Mark’s Basilica & terraces, and the Doge’s Palace—on a private English guided tour.
Reviews
5,053 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour and guide
donmU1180AN,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour. Really enjoyed spending the morning going through St Mark’s and Doge’s Palace. Valentina S. Was a wealth of knowledge and made this significantly better than visiting without a guide. Highly recommend!
Absolutely awesome.
jocio2026,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Valentina S. was excellent. She was really enjoyable and very knowledgeable. She really brought the spirit of Venice to life. I highly recommend her.
Great day in March
jimmB2172GP,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Caroline was awesome at sharing stories and made the tour enjoyable start to finish.
Doge Palace Tour
ROBERT H,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was great. Philippe was hilarious and had a lot of great knowledge about the palace and the Basilica. Great tour. He kept us engaged the whole time with his quick whit. I would definitely recommend this tour to everyone. If you get a chance, ask to go with Philippe.
Do not skip this tour!
Amy K,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Gulianno was AMAZING!!! Do not skip this tour of the Doge Palace and St. Marks - it was so informative. My Husband and I really knew nothing about either place before we came here. Our guide painted the best picture of how Venice was formed and how their government worked! Well worth it!
The tour was 3 hours! Our...
Deborah M,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was 3 hours! Our guide Mr G. was fabulous, funny and held our interest the entire time. We were never bored! We really felt we understood the history and politics of the city after the tour. We had a great detailed tour of the beautiful St. Mark’s, loved the views from out on the terrace as well as an extensive tour of the Doge palace. So interesting !!! The experience was beyond my expectations and I’m so glad I did the tour. No way could I have gotten anything close to this on my own or by simply reading about it. Highly recommend !!!
St Marco and DOGE
mlmora60,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour with a knowledgable guide. He shared lots of interesting stories and had a good sense of humor.
A great tour
Amy A,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour! Great guide with Giuliano. Highly recommend. Very knowledgeable. If you have small ears, the earbud may not work for you. Just stay close to the guide.
Best experience of the day!
Jaimee L,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely worth it! Our guide, Iola, was wonderful. She is a native of Venice and clearly knows and loves her city. She was very knowledgeable, kind, funny, and answered all of our (sometimes random) questions. She was gracious enough to point out the best spots for photos and take a few photos of us.
AMAZING TOUR WHOULD RECANEND
jacobkK686GR,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was amazing and interesting Arianna was extremely nice and friendly. Whold rate higher but It’s not possible.
From €70.00
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